The Pampas lily-of-the-valley is a trailing, perennial herb from South America which produces zig-zagging stems that may reach 3 m long, and strong odored, bell shaped, white flowers. Its scientific name, Salpichroa is from the Greek salpinx meaning 'trumpet' and chroa meaning 'skin' and refers to the shape and texture of the flower. Origanifolia is derived from 'Oregano' and folium meaning leaf inferring the leaves are like Oregano leaves. These are alternate or paired at the nodes, with pairs unequal in size. Stems are green, many, arising from a rootstock, wiry, and much branched. Initially they are erect, then they become vine like and may also form semi erect shrubs up to 1 m tall. Flowers are bisexual, creamy white, 6-10 mm long, hanging down on a short, thread like, 7-10 mm long, stalks (peduncles) which curve downwards with age. The fruit is a flesh berry, yellow or white, egg shaped to oblong, 10-20 mm long by 7-8 mm wide, many seeded, and very aromatic. Seeds are brown to pale yellow, flattened, disk shaped, 2 mm diameter, surrounded by mucous. They germinate from spring to early summer and form an extensive root system over summer. Top growth is killed by autumn frosts. New growth from rootstocks and laterals starts in late winter to spring. Flowering occurs at all times of the year with a peak from early summer through into autumn.

Why bilingual? For starters, Spanish is my native tongue. Secondly, English is still the universal language and the blog is meant to be accessible for anyone on the globe who is into Nature conservancy; particularly in getting to know Uruguay's flora and fauna.

"Hunting is merely a cowardly circumlocution for the cowardy murder of fellow creatures who do not have a chance. Hunting is a variant of human mental illness" Theodore Heuss (First president of the Republic of Germany; 1884-1963)

"When I was twelve, I went hunting with my father and we shot a bird. He was laying there and something struck me. Why do we call this fun to kill this creature who was as happy as I was when I woke up this morning?" (American and Canadian football coach, 1925-)

"May I walk unceasingly on the banks of my river, may my soul repose on the branches of the trees which I planted, and may I may refresh myself under the shadow of my sycamore tree".Egyptian tomb inscription, circa 1400 AD

"We must protect the forests for our children, grandchildren and children yet to be born. We must protect the forests for those who can't speak for themselves such as the birds, other animals and the trees."Chief Edward Moody, Qwatsinas, Nuxalk Nation

"No man is an island, entire of itself; every man is a piece of the continent, a part of the main. If a clod be washed away by the sea, Europe is the less, as well as if promontory were... Any man's death diminishes me, because I am involved in mankind; and therefore never send to know for whom the bell tolls: it tolls for thee".John Donne, English Metaphysical poet (1572 - 1631)